Imaginary Authors isn’t just a perfume house—it’s a brand built on stories. Each fragrance is linked to a fictional short story, featuring an author who doesn’t exist but whose life you can feel in the scent. This framework makes the line particularly appealing to people seeking more than just beautiful scents: they crave escapism, mood, and artistry. What sets Imaginary Authors apart from the many niche perfume brands today—and where does it fall short? Below, you’ll find an in-depth look at the brand identity, what works and what doesn’t, standout perfumes, customer feedback, performance, and whether they’re worth trying.
Here are some examples of their fragrances that show what the brand is capable of, both good and challenging.
A recent release based on a gothic, ghostly tale of a forgotten mansion, dusty tomes, decaying elegance, and autumn rain.
Opens with quince, petitgrain and a faint, sharp brightness, like light falling into a dusty room.
Cedars and dry woods ground the fragrance and give it structure and backbone.
As it dries, oakmoss, amber (resinous warmth) and a “paperback” accord form on the surface, reminiscent of worn leather, library shelves and aged pages.
Overall, it is rather dry, atmospheric, with subtle sweetness and deep texture.
It doesn't push for gourmand or obvious floral notes, but rather focuses on mood, memory, atmosphere and texture.
The Abandoned Mansion is a couture perfume. It's for anyone who wants to be swept away by scents. It's not subtle, but it's not generic either. If you like atmospheric, moody scents, this perfume should be at the top of your list.
One of Imaginary Authors' most popular classics – a smoky vanilla-wood fragrance with warm sweetness and resinous depth.
Starts sweeter and creamier – vanilla is prominent in the first moments.
The vanilla is accompanied by a hint of alcoholic resin, soft woods (guaiac, oak) and an undertone of dried amber/benzoin.
As it develops, the smoke/wood and resin become more intense, the vanilla softens, and the perfume becomes cozier, more soothing, and richer.
Many users note the balance: not syrupy sweet, not overwhelmingly smoky – a middle ground of warmth, wood, and resin.
This is one of the safer entry-level fragrances in the line. It combines luxury with accessibility. If you're looking for something expressive but not too outlandish, "Memoirs of a Trespasser" is a good candidate.
This fragrance is meant to evoke sea breezes, salty air, and tropical clarity, somehow uniting salt, lightness, and aquatic freshness in the brand's signature narrative voice.
Airy, aquatic opening with salty saline accords, a hint of green foliage or seaweed, and a feeling of openness.
There may be hints of citrus fruits, the brightness of sea spray, or watery floral accords that underline the saltiness.
The drydown becomes softer; the maritime notes transition into gentle warmth, perhaps moss or airy wood.
"Falling into the Sea" is probably one of the more wearable, airy options in the Imaginary Authors range. If you like maritime, airy scents with character, this is a refreshing choice—just don't expect it to stay noticeable all day.
This perfume has a creamy, nutty, cozy character—a kind of nostalgic, comforting brand scent.
Creamy nut tones (hazelnut or almond), interspersed with soft woods or light floral notes.
Consistently hazy softness: it doesn't draw attention, but floats gently.
The warmth is there, but gentle – a calm, enveloping scent.
Yesterday Haze is for those who enjoy cozy, hazy, and gentle scents. It's neither surprising nor overpowering, but rather a calming and charming fragrance that you should have in your rotation.
A bright, green, natural fragrance with hints of tennis courts, grass, and botanical freshness.
Begins with fresh green notes: laurel, ivy, linden or leaves reminiscent of freshly moistened grass or garden greenery.
Subliminal notes of vetiver, moss and oakmoss support the green base.
There may be a gentle floral or leafy note—not overpowering, just gentle hints—and a drydown that remains green, clean, and slightly earthy.
The Soft Lawn is a delightful "green room fragrance"—calm, fresh, botanical. It's ideal for leisure, outdoor use, spring/summer, and anyone who wants a distinctive perfume that's neither heavy nor smoky.
When choosing, consider the climate, occasion, skin chemistry, and whether you prefer something bold or subtle. Imaginary Authors is most effective when the scent reflects your mood or memory—not just when it smells “good.” If possible, always sample it before buying entire bottles.
| Feature | Strongest in Certain Scents | Weakest / Risk Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Smoky woods, resins, heavier base notes hold well (6–8+ hours for some). | Herbal / lighter / green-botanical ones tend to fade quicker, maybe 3–5 hours, especially in heat or on warm skin. |
| Projection (Sillage) | Initially strong in bold scents (smoke, spice) — they get noticed. | After 1–2 hours many pieces “settle down” closer to skin; projection reduces. |
| Season / Occasion | Fall/winter, evening events, cooler nights — smoky and spicy perfumes shine. | For daytime, hot weather, or casual settings, some scents might feel overbearing. Light, herbal ones do better there. |
Imaginary Authors is both a celebration and a gamble. If you:
then this brand offers something rare and valuable. It’s much more than just “smelling good.”
However, if you value a subtle, everyday scent or one that appeals to a broad audience, there’s a risk that some perfumes may feel too specialized or “conceptual.” It’s also worth testing a few perfumes first—a trial set is a good idea rather than blindly buying entire bottles.
Conclusion: Imaginary Authors is worth discovering—not for everyone, but for anyone seeking fragrances as fiction with haunting details, atmosphere, and creativity. If you’re fascinated by bold aromas and stories, this could become one of your favorite lines. If you prefer safe, clean, and familiar scents, you’ll love some aspects of the brand, but also find others a bit challenging.
